They say you never forget your first fictional husband, and that’s certainly true forBrothers and SisterscostarsLuke MacfarlaneandMatthew Rhys.

Although 11 years have passed since the actors played husbands on the beloved ABC drama, they’ve remained close friends.

“Matthew Rhys is truly a gentleman, he really is,” Macfarlane tells PEOPLE. “He’s one of my favorite actors that I’ve ever worked with. I think that that’s why our storyline connected with people. We just had a great time with each other.”

“He’s just the kind of actor you want to work with,” says Macfarlane. “[He] takes the work seriously, but doesn’t take himself too seriously. He’s great.”

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Luke Macfarlane Matthew Rhys

In addition to his breakthrough role onBrothers and Sisters, Macfarlane has starred in more than a dozen movies for The Hallmark Channel and hopes to continue working in a variety of genres and mediums, especially following his new lead role in the R-rated rom-comBroswith costarBilly Eichner(who also co-wrote the film).

“The thing that I just love hearing from people who’ve seen the movie is how funny it is and that it’s lovely to see a gay movie where a couple has a happy ending,” he says. “We don’t get a lot of those.”

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Billy Eichner Luke Macfarlane

“I’d love to continue to act in movies,” Macfarlane tells PEOPLE. “I’ve always been eager to explore some more action-type roles, so we’ll see if any of those opportunities come my way. I’m open to lots of things. I’m also eager to get back and do some Broadway, so maybe an opportunity will come up there. I’ve learned in my career that you have to be open to all the possibilities and just be curious.”

Outside of acting, Macfarlane is an accomplished woodworker and outdoorsman who loves spending quality time with his family.

“They’re so happy for me,” he says. “I don’t come from a family of performers, so I think they’re just grateful I have health insurance!”

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For more on Luke Macfarlane, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE on newsstands Friday!

source: people.com